Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, has unveiled an ambitious plan to address the chronic traffic congestion in Bengaluru—a proposed 190-kilometer tunnel project. The state government aims to initiate the tendering process for this groundbreaking project within the next 45 days.
A total of eight qualified companies have been selected to conduct an extensive feasibility study for the tunnel road project. This study will encompass crucial decisions regarding the tunnel's specifications, including whether it should comprise four or six lanes, determining the optimal starting and ending points, and evaluating the feasibility of expanding this transportation solution across the entire city.
Recognising the colossal scale of the project and the substantial funding required, Karnataka's authorities plan to execute the tunnel project in multiple phases. This strategic approach aims to ensure the project's successful implementation.
DK Shivakumar said that the identified areas for this project include Bellary Road, Old Madras Road, Esteem Mall Junction to Mekhri Circle, Miller Road, Chalukya Circle, Trinity Circle, Sarjapur Road.
Some of the other areas are Hosur Road, Kanakapura Road to Krishna Rao Park, Mysore Road to Sirsi Circle, Magadi Road, Tumakuru Road to Yeshwantpur Junction, Outer Ring Road, Goraguntepalya, KR Puram, and Silk Board. These locations have been prioritised for the tunnel road project, and companies will conduct studies to determine the feasibility and design of the tunnel.
Bengaluru currently grapples with persistent traffic issues, even with the presence of 60 fully functional flyovers. The root causes of these challenges lie in the city's infrastructure deficit and the disproportionate growth of road length compared to the escalating number of vehicles.
The population of Bengaluru has surged to a staggering 1.4 crore residents, accompanied by nearly 1.5 crore vehicles traversing the city's streets daily. This mismatch between urban development and vehicular growth has resulted in mounting delays, congestion, extended travel times, and substantial economic losses.
Bengaluru's vital IT sector, a linchpin of the city's economy, has borne the brunt of traffic-related disruptions. Prolonged commute times have translated into significant productivity losses for employees.
A comprehensive study has estimated that the IT sector alone has suffered economic losses amounting to approximately Rs 7,000 crore due to traffic-induced work disruptions.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Bengaluru also face daunting challenges. Delays in product deliveries have led to dissatisfied customers and have, in turn, resulted in an estimated economic loss of around Rs 3,500 crore for the city's economy.
The study advocates a multifaceted approach to address the city's traffic woes effectively. This approach encompasses solutions such as underground transportation systems, discouraging roadside parking, prioritising road space for traffic flow, and enhancing pedestrian safety.
To mitigate traffic congestion, the report underscores the importance of strengthening mass transportation options like metro systems, monorails, and high-capacity buses, while concurrently discouraging the use of private vehicles.
Incorporating advanced technology, the study recommends the utilisation of artificial intelligence, robotics, and informatics to streamline road usage. A Variable Message System (VMS) is proposed for real-time information dissemination.
The study underscores the importance of stringent traffic enforcement through personnel monitoring, immediate action plans, and the augmentation of camera and sensor systems. Furthermore, the project envisages the inclusion of underground transportation nodes at regular intervals, escape routes, and disaster preparedness measures to ensure comprehensive safety and efficiency.